Expert says the Duke’s Epstein ties continue to harm the monarchy’s image
King Charles is under growing pressure to take stronger action against Prince Andrew, as fresh controversy surrounding the Duke’s past resurfaces with new claims from the late Virginia Giuffre.
Giuffre, who was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, died in April at age 44. Her posthumous memoir, set for release next week, reportedly includes further damaging allegations against Andrew, reigniting scrutiny over his royal status and the King’s handling of the situation.
Royal commentators suggest that Charles may now feel compelled to act more decisively. Reports have circulated that the monarch wants to create further distance between the York family and the rest of the royal household.
The situation has been made more uncomfortable by resurfaced details about Andrew’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who once described him in an email as her “supreme friend,” despite publicly denouncing him back in 2011.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror that the King is facing a difficult choice.
“Things have reached such a state now, with the latest excerpts from Virginia Giuffre’s book, that the public wants another show of punishment for Andrew,” Bond said. “It seems impossible to force him out of Royal Lodge, but he could certainly be removed from the Order of the Garter.”
Bond added that Andrew’s ongoing association with Epstein continues to cast a dark shadow over the royal family.
“It’s a hideous quandary for the King, but Andrew’s connection to Epstein is now tainting the monarchy and all the good work it does. Something has to be done. Banning him from shoots would be another humiliation, for sure.”
The renewed calls for action highlight how Andrew’s controversies remain a thorn in the side of the monarchy, leaving King Charles to balance family loyalty with public accountability.
